title: Predictors of HIV transmission risk behavior and seroconversion among Latino men who have sex with men in Project EXPLORE.
abstract: In the US, Latino MSM are disproportionately affected by HIV, yet there is a paucity of data for this risk group. To this end, we examined data on Latino and non-Latino white MSM who participated across six cities in a 2-year randomized behavioral intervention study-Project EXPLORE. At baseline, Latinos reported significantly more serodiscordant unprotected anal intercourse (SDUA) than non-Latinos. Longitudinal predictors of SDUA included marijuana, poppers, amphetamines and heavy drinking, as well as lower self-efficacy, poorer communication skills, weaker safe-sex norms and more enjoyment of risky sex. For HIV infection, Latinos had significantly higher seroconversion rate over follow-up than non-Latinos. Longitudinal predictors of seroconversion among Latinos included poppers and SDUA. Intervention effects did not significantly differ between Latino and non-Latinos. Findings support HIV intervention work with Latino MSM that includes skills training/counseling to address attitudes about safe sex and impact of substance use on HIV-risk behavior and acquisition.
authors.affiliation: Harvard Medical School/Massachusetts General Hospital, Boston, MA, USA. abedoya@partners.org
authors.forename: C Andres
authors.initials: CA
authors.lastname: Bedoya
authors.forename: Mathew J
authors.initials: MJ
authors.lastname: Mimiaga
authors.forename: Geetha
authors.initials: G
authors.lastname: Beauchamp
authors.forename: Deborah
authors.initials: D
authors.lastname: Donnell
authors.forename: Kenneth H
authors.initials: KH
authors.lastname: Mayer
authors.forename: Steven A
authors.initials: SA
authors.lastname: Safren
mesh_terms: D000328:Adult; D000428:Alcohol Drinking / Q000453:epidemiology; D015658:HIV Infections / Q000208:ethnology / Q000517:prevention & control / Q000523:psychology / Q000635:transmission*; D006679:HIV Seropositivity / Q000453:epidemiology* / Q000635:transmission; D006630:Hispanic or Latino; D018451:Homosexuality, Male / Q000208:ethnology* / Q000523:psychology; D006801:Humans; D008137:Longitudinal Studies; D008297:Male; D008875:Middle Aged; D011237:Predictive Value of Tests; D011584:Psychology; D040242:Risk Reduction Behavior; D012309:Risk-Taking; D012725:Sexual Behavior; D019966:Substance-Related Disorders / Q000453:epidemiology; D014481:United States / Q000453:epidemiology; D014505:Urban Population